Jo A. Felch

March 5, 1934-Jan. 17, 2014

Jo A. Felch, 79, died Jan. 17, 2014, at South Peninsula Hospital. Jo was born in Helena, Mont., on March 5, 1934.

She attended school first in Helena, Mont., and finished in Oakland, Calif.,where she graduated from Freemont High School in 1952.

Jo started her family in Oakland, and when she relocated to Tri-Cities, Wash., she brought three children with her. While in Tri-Cities she gave birth to two more children.

During her early time in Tri-Cities she owned and operated three businesses at the same time: Pasco Bus Lines, the Pasco Greyhound Bus Depot and The Letter Shop.

Eventually Jo accepted a temporary position at West Richland, Wash., City Hall. By the time she left she had worked her way to the top appointed position of City Clerk and was running another business, a Carmelcorn/Candy Shop.

In March of 1986, Jo relocated for the last time to Homer, Alaska, to be close to her sister. She had often said she finally felt “at home.”

During Jo’s 28 years in Homer she worked several jobs, including the Catch Cannery, Duncan House and the Anchor River Inn.

Most Homer residents got to know her during her 22 years at Barb’s Video. She knew nearly everyone in town and made many lifelong friends. She had a way of making people feel happy and could warm anyone’s heart with a smile.

Jo volunteered with Hospice of Homer and also delivered Meals on Wheels for a time. She was always doing whatever she could to help someone out. She should be remembered as someone who truly cared.

Jo often said that her proudest achievement was her five children. She also frequently raved about her five grandchildren.

“Jo loved her family and friends unconditionally. Homer and the people who live there were very special to her. She was truly happy there,” her family said. “We would like to thank all of you who took the time to attend the Jan. 20 service on such short notice and thank you to all those who touched Jo’s life.”